UK/GB/England Day

[foetus]

I'm not sure when you first migrated Nimrod, but when I first came out in the early 80's Australia day was not a significantly celebrated day like it is now, and there was a more nuanced view that was able to recognise the achievements of the settlers but also the devastating effect of colonization on the indigenous community. When the liberals (Tories) were elected in 1996, they promoted it to suit their own political purposes, as it fitted in with their policy agenda of denying the land rights of the original owners. It has now mushroomed into a flag waving expression of nationalism which to be honest I find embarrassing and out of step with the reality of this country, you would know about the annual muslim bashing that attends the event, and the hoards of pissed up wankers draped in the flag. I'm surprised that a bright bloke like you would be sucked in.

A more appropriate national day would be 1 Jan to celebrate the federation of the 6 colonies into one nation. Im sure that any national day in blighty would be hijacked in the same way

Just a tad cynical. A few bogans don't represent the general population. Unfortunately, certain minorties decide to play the victim on this day of celebration which causes tension between them and those drunk bogans. Most people see it for what it is. A day to spend with friends/family and have a bbq and few drinks....and most importantly, a day off work.

In regards to your more appropriate date of 1 Jan...bit difficult to get on the beers after NYE ;) We want to spread those public holidays out through the year.